delete_published_pages

What is the delete_published_pages permission in WordPress? #

The delete_published_pages permission allows users to delete Pages in the Publish / Published status.

If users have the delete_published_pages permission, they will see the red “Trash” link under Pages in the Publish / Published status.

Trash Post
Trash Post

If users do NOT have the delete_published_pages permission, they will not be able to send a Page to the Trash, even if they have the delete_pages permission. This screenshot below shows a Published Page and a Pending Review Page. Only the Pending Review Page has a “Trash” button available.

Published Page Vs Pending 1
Published Page Vs Pending 1

Users with the delete_published_pages permission will also see a “Move to Trash” button when editing Pages. Users who do not have the delete_published_pages permission will not see this button.

Move Trash Page
Move Trash Page

Who has the delete_published_pages permission? #

The delete_published_pages permission is available on single WordPress sites and on multisite networks.

By default, the delete_published_pages permission is given to Super Admins, Administrators, and Editors.

Subscribers and Contributors can not delete published Pages.


How to control who has the delete_published_pages permission #

You can control who has the delete_published_pages permission by installing the PublishPress Capabilities plugin.

  • After installing PublishPress Capabilities, go to “Capabilities” in your WordPress admin menu.
  • Using the dropdown in the top-left corner, choose the role you want to edit.
  • Click the “Deletion” tab.
  • Check or uncheck the box in the “Pages” row of the “Delete published” column.
Delete Published Pages

All the WordPress permissions for Pages #